Runners, walkers and spectators packed the streets between White River and Mbombela Stadium on Saturday as Bella’s Athletics Club hosted the fourth annual GBVF Half Marathon 4-in-1.

The event has grown from a small tribute run into one of the region’s biggest awareness drives against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). It has become an anticipated fixture on the local sporting calendar and a platform for survivors, activists and law enforcement to send a united message: That GBVF has no place in Mpumalanga communities.

Despite frosty weather, participants turned up in the hundreds, bringing with them an energetic atmosphere.

From young to old, all were excited to show up in support of the fight against GBVF.

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4 distances cater for all fitness levels

The 21.1km half marathon, 10km, 4.9km and a road mile, all finishing at Mbombela Stadium, catered to elite athletes and first-time participants. The varied distances meant families could take part alongside seasoned club runners, keeping the day’s focus as much on community participation as on competitive times.

A notable attendee was Estelle ‘Madam Speaker’ Bullen. After surviving a farm attack in 2015, the veteran master athlete has channelled her talents to serve as an ambassador for campaigns raising public awareness.

Beyond the running, the event carried a deliberate message. Organisers used the day to raise awareness of the signs and consequences of gender-based violence, encourage reporting and connect survivors with support services. The Mpumalanga SAPS and local advocacy groups lent their support to the cause.

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Local runners take top honours

The 10km men’s race was won by Musawenkosi Buthelezi, with Sizwe Ngobese second. The women’s race was won by Nomvula Sithole. Rosaline Isaiah finished second.
The men’s 21km race, which started in White River, was won by Samkelo Ngobese, with Siboniso Sikhakhane in second place.

Marelise Retief was the winner of the women’s half-marathon. Donne Green finished in second place.

The GBVF Half Marathon 4-in-1 has, in just a few years, become more than a race. For many who lined the route or crossed the finish line at Mbombela Stadium, it remains a reminder that the fight against gender-based violence is one the whole community has a stake in.

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Photo gallery

>Photos: Zané Botes